Author: MPiccolo

Breaking through the plateau

MPiccolo2 Comments

Of course this was going to happen…Of course.  It was inevitable after losing so much weight that I would hit a standstill.  The weight loss plateau has reared it’s ugly head in my direction.

Stuck at 127 with absolutely not a budge in two weeks.

Now I know it’s the holidays.  And most people who are trying to lose weight would be happy to see themselves maintaining during such a difficult time of the year.  I shouldn’t complain.   But it’s still a disappointing.

I am becoming one of my own clients.  I’m doing all the wrong things like weighing myself after dinner (WHAT!? Duh!), stressing out about a measly little pound, freaking out and envisioning the scale frozen on 127 forever.

This won’t happen.  I will start to lose again but the first step is to figure out what the hell I’m doing wrong.

A few possibilities:

1.  I’m doing too much:  I have only allowed myself 1 day off since starting this journey.  That’s more then 3 months of non-stop exercising.  Not good.  That could lead to overtraining which can lead to all sorts of metabolic issues if I don’t address it.

2. I’m not doing enough:  Even with all this working out, it’s possible I’m not doing enough of the QUALITY workouts.  Possibly  too much steady state and not enough High Intensity?  Too many full body workouts and not enough splits?

3.  I’m doing the same thing over and over:  Don’t we all know the definition of insanity?  Although my strength training program has been different each week, it has always been full body.  So it might be time to change it to split routines.  Also the diet has been the same for 3 weeks so it’s quite possibly my coach will change that up next week.

Those are the three main reasons why I we all hit a weight loss rut.   In keeping with my previous post about looking at the positives and staying optimistic, I’m going to attempt to have some fun while trying to figure out exactly what is holding me back.

In the meantime, I’m still planning my regular meal plan for this week despite celebrating Christmas (tomorrow actually), traveling on a plane Wednesday and Thursday and working a nice long day on Christmas Eve starting at 6am and ending after I get finished with Christmas Eve dinner.  I have my work cut out for me this week.

But in the end, now is not the time to worry or care about staying perfect; it’s time to enjoy spending time with loved ones and friends.  I will be enjoying the hell out of my food and hanging with my family.  And I will not give this plateau a second thought! I might even eat a piece of (gasp!) bread.  Yes real life starch! (what’s starch? It’s been so long since I’ve had any I forgot what the hell it is.)

Merry Christmas Happy Holidays and all that jazz everyone!

-Michelle

Random song on iTunes: The Killer by The Twilight Singers (quite possibly the best song ever…ever!)

Random Tweet courtesy of some random person: When someone walks into a school w/a rope w/a spear attached throwing it & screaming “Get over here!” then let’s discuss video games.

Looking for the positives in a sea of negatives

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Feeling a little strange writing a post after such a violent and morbid week in our country.  But someone on Facebook mentioned “In times like this it’s really easy to just give up…with everything.  Not just fitness but life goals in general.  But now is the best time to exercise your mind and your body.  A time to heal.”

My pastor put it well this morning too in his homily…”Find the joy, even in times of evil and tragedy.”

On a lesser scale, we do tend to give up in times of struggle don’t we?  An injury will sideline us and leave us feeling like it’s just easier to give up rather than try to heal quickly or correctly.  A bad weekend of food bingeing or drink might make us feel like throwing in the towel and just buying all that processed food that we so adamantly swore off not too long ago.  A loss of life or a big life event might make us reconsider finishing up a project because we just don’t have the drive anymore.

But the time is more perfect than ever to get back up and try again.  To not give up…and not be a quitter.   Friday was a particularly difficult day in my own personal life after I got some discouraging news about a family member’s illness.  Obviously not trying to compare two events but this past week seemed particularly depressing for numerous reasons.

So this post is about the positives I have found in my little life this past week:

1.  I got to hang with my best friend and update her on all this figure stuff last night.  She even volunteered to make “Piccolo Supporter” t-shirts when it’s competition time. Too cute. (Of course I’m considering her letting her do this because lets face it, who WOULDN’T want their own cheering section with t-shirts!?)

2. I posted my progress pics with no serious side effects.  This was a hard thing for me to do, self reflection sucks.  But necessary and I’m very happy that I did.

3. I’m enjoying this global warming 60 degree weather today.  As I walked out of Yoga (yes Yoga) today I couldn’t help but smile and feel like after a tragedy like this, comes a re-birth.  I’m such a yogi. 😉

4. My nephew celebrated his 10th birthday on Saturday and he is such a thankful child. I’m very much the proud auntie.  Grateful I have not one but 2 adorable nephews to spoil.

5.  I still FEEL good.  I explained to my friend last night that although it was just 10lbs, I feel like I’ve lost more and never realized how much it was, literally, weighing me down.  Feels good to fit in clothes like they were meant to fit.

Time to go prep my food for this week and keep on truckin along on this fitness journey.

If you have a goal (and you know you do) don’t give up.

Don't give up!
Don’t give up!

Progress Pics

MPiccolo8 Comments

I don’t even want to make a big deal out of this even though this is probably one of the more difficult things I have posted.  It’s not like anyone is forcing me to do this of course but if you have a goal you better make sure you note a starting point.  And with weight loss, pictures are pretty much the best route to go.

I didn’t manipulate these photos in any way EXCEPT brightness and contrast because some turned out so bright and some not so bright.  It took me a second to understand how to add text to a picture as you can see from one of the December pics.  I never figured out how to delete the text so….you are left with this.  Photoshop smart I AM NOT.

Left:  October  Center: November   Right: December

I’m at 137.5lbs in the October pics, 133lbs in the November pics and 127 in the December 10th pic.

Thanks to Danielle for stitching these all together for me!!

allbackview
Back

 

Front
Front
Side
Side

 

Step Away from the Dessert Table

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This weekend was the infamous Dessert Party thrown by my former client Lina and her hubby Jeff.  Lina spent the better part of her December and probably November baking all kinds of delicious treats for this annual festive event.  I attended 2 years ago and although I remember indulging in a few treats I honestly can’t remember what I had.  I’m guessing I just didn’t care because I wasn’t really watching my weight too closely back then.

This year is obviously a different story.  Declining the invitation was not an option because once again, I want to prove that losing weight is possible during the holidays.  Plus, I don’t see the need to be anti-social when you’re watching what you eat.

Here is what was presented to myself and their guests upon walking in the door:

Can you say, YUM?
Can you say, YUM?

I don’t think this picture does it justice…so here are just a few close ups:

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So what do you do when you’re trying to lose weight but you’re invited to a dessert party?  You have plan.  My plan was to eat enough to be satisfied but not too much that I felt guilt and gluttony.

You also need reinforcements.

I brought a friend with me, Brian, who I assigned the task of “Spotter” to.  I told him to spot me and make sure I didn’t go overboard.  Unfortunately Brian doesn’t know me well enough to know what is considered overboard in my mind. BUT, he did a great job regardless. 🙂

Lina and Jeff also did a great job supporting me by showing me things that I could have without the added guilt.  So awesome of them to think of little old me!

I was going to take a picture of what I ate but I didn’t want the guests there to think I’m an Instagram freak or strange even though it’s becoming quite normal to take pics of your food.  So I’ll just tell you the damage:

  • About 4oz of a white wine spritzer (About 2 sips in I thought “I want to EAT my calories, not DRINK them!”) and switched to water
  • 1 cup of a mix of berries that Lina and Jeff said they provided specifically for moi.  Thanks guys! Fruit is always good.
  • 1 tablespoon and a half maybe ( I didn’t bring out measuring spoons but the thought of breaking those things out in the middle of a party makes me laugh)  of Angel Food cake with that pudding and strawberry combination.  Is it just called Angel Food cake or strawberry shortcake?? Whatever it was it was also very good and although I tried not to spoon too much pudding on the plate I did get a good chunk of it.
  • 1 of the cookies in the middle of that picture there…The one with the green icing in the middle. I WAIT for these cookies when my Mom makes them and Lina’s did not disappoint.  A little thicker than how my Mom makes them but oh so good!!!

I stopped for a while and chatted up some people….Taking a break from the madness.

After about a half hour of drinking water and talking I thought I could handle just a little bit more.  Brian mentioned the pumpkin pie would be worth it as well as this 7 layer chocolate chip  graham cracker ecstasy Lina made (Picture above on the silver plate).  So I opted for one little bite of pie and one small piece of the layered goodness.

End result?  Worth it. 🙂  I didn’t feel sick. I didn’t feel bloated. I didn’t feel gross.  I had FUN!  And best of all, I didn’t feel deprived.

HAD I NOT been trying to lose weight I honestly think I would have gone bonkers and probably would have had no self control.  The end result would have been ugly.

At the end of the night I still fit in my size 7 pants.  I haven’t worn size 7 pants since I moved back to Cleveland from Chicago.  And I got them around Christmas time so it’s been 3 years.  And they JUST fit.   So a bit of advice if you’re attending a holiday party of the same magnitude and find yourself with the same doubts:

Wear a pair of pants that JUST fit…that if you went nuts with food you MIGHT embarrass yourself and pop/rip them.

Okay maybe that’s not the best advice but it worked.

Thanks again to Lina and Jeff for putting on a great party!  And thanks for reading my blog!

Interesting Sidenote:  On the way out the door I met a woman whose daughter does Figure Competitions right here in Northeast Ohio!  How random is that??  Feels so good to meet other women who are doing the same things since honestly, I don’t know anyone locally doing/training for a competition.

Weight this morning: 127lbs.  The meal plan Coach Davies has me on is clearly working very well.  I still feel energized, still in a great mood, still making progress!

I did a much better job planning my meals for the week and even had time to help out my family making pierogies yesterday!  YUM! (Potato of course…sorry can’t do the sauerkraut).

HAPPY MONDAY!!

-Michelle

Weekend Challenge

MPiccolo1 Comment

I’m going to go out on a limb and say the holidays are upon us…as in people have started to crowd the malls doing their shopping, the stores have their sales and advertisements plastered everywhere, the carols are playing on the radio and holiday parties are taking place.

Well, I can also tell you I can always tell the holidays are here because the gyms aren’t as full as they usually are.  Or as full as they should be.  I should know, I spend about 99% of my time in a gym of some sort everyday.  It’s pathetic awesome!  I hear from friends and co-workers that clients are canceling or just not showing up for their personal training sessions.  THAT’s how I know the holidays are here.

So here’s a quick little boost to those of you who are suffocating in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and you can’t quite seem to fit your workout in:

a-one-hour-workout-is-4-percent-of-your-day

This has been circulating around the internet lately and I thought it was appropriate for this time of year for all of us.

As for my weekend challenge, and in line with the holiday spirit, I’ll be attending my friend and former client Lina’s Dessert Party.  Yes that’s right a party with JUST DESSERTS.  All homemade as far as I know? And all very delicious.

I’ve searched and searched my nutrition plan from my coach and lo and behold I don’t see desserts listed.  Hmmm…

Well, looks like I need a plan.  Remember my Holiday Pledge?  I’m sure there’s a way to copy my old post in here but I am not savvy enough to figure that out so here’s the picture again:

XmasPledge

Notice #4.  I will not be anti-social.  I will attend this party because it’s been awhile since I’ve seen my friend Lina and her husband Jeff and we have a lot to catch up on.  I’m treating the desserts like part of the background.  They’ll be there but almost like I’m at a museum. I can look but not touch. Ha!  I will most likely cheat indulge in a couple of the smaller desserts without going absolutely nuts.  I’m also planning on eating just like my plan suggests with nothing changing.  Most importantly I’ll be arriving on a full stomach.  There will not be an entrée in sight (hence the point of coming after dinner anyways) so I feel as long as I have eaten my protein beforehand. I should be okay.

This will be my first real challenge since taking on this goal.  I’ll be happy to post the outcome on Sunday morning! 🙂

Also, I am definitely posting progress pics right before Christmas.  I can finally see a difference from October to now in pictures and I’m really jazzed to show them to everyone believe it or not!

Happy Weekend Everyone!

-Michelle

And the madness begins…

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I can see from my page views here that I’m flatlining  these past few days because I haven’t posted anything….and I haven’t posted because my competition training has taken over!  This is both a good and not so good thing.  Good for me but bad as far as keeping my blog going.

While I have some time, I thought I’d write a quick update on my progress as well as some funny little anecdotes that you will hopefully appreciate.

So Sunday night my Plan arrived in my inbox from my coach, Mike Davies.  It included pretty much everything you could ask for in a plan; what to eat and when to eat, how long to workout for and what specifically to do with regards to training/cardio.

It was slightly overwhelming at first to see all these emails and instructions.  But more than apprehension, I felt excitement about finally getting on a specific plan.

Monday morning after cardio was a visit to the store to stock up on some key proteins that I was lacking, mainly flank steak and salmon.  I opted for just flank steak for now since one high priced protein is enough per week for this cheapass  low budget gal.

Without getting into every detail, I’m absolutely thrilled with this plan!  The foods I’m told to eat are already foods I like, although I had never had flank before.  I’ll be working out twice a day (cardio in the AM and weights and other cardio in the PM).

Since I just started Monday, I’m already feeling the effects.  Maybe it’s just psychological but I don’t care.  I feel a great amount of energy and I’m not starving.  I have no desire to eat anything sweet despite the fact that my Mom is making a new Christmas cookie/pastry/ everyday this week.  She offers me some but she understands why I’m saying No…for now.  Coach Mike said I can have a cheat day on Christmas as well as New Years.  Since we celebrate Christmas on the 22nd this year, I’m saving my Christmas cheat for the 26th when I’m traveling to Chicago to see my friends.  As for New Years Eve, well…this year I won’t be on crutches like last year (let’s not talk about that) I might actually go out but I’m not a huge drinker.  I’d rather EAT my cheats than drink.  So we’ll see about that.

Maybe I’m talking crazy but I don’t WANT to be able to cheat.  I think just the fact that I was told that I COULD, makes me not want to.  Why undo what I’ve worked already so hard for?

Love This!

What else has happened since my last post?  My mood has improved like, a thousand percent.  🙂

I was telling someone just the other day that I’m extremely happy lately.  Like, goofy can’t wipe this grin off my face content happy.  At first I thought it was because I’m downing Fish Oil like it’s candy once again.  And I know from past experience that stuff improves your mood.  I would also say the fact that I’m working out twice a day now and that I’m finally seeing results, is probably a huge reason for my sudden joyfulness.

I’m actually kind of upset I didn’t get myself on a real plan like this sooner.  It’s so nice to have someone telling me what to eat and when to eat it.  I never understood why my clients wouldn’t follow a meal plan.  I followed one when I had a trainer 10 years ago (wow really? unreal that I’m this old ha!) and the results were awesome!  And I didn’t even think I needed a trainer back then. (I totally did).   Maybe it helps that my goal is so lofty.  Maybe I’m celebrating way too soon.  Maybe I’m being naive about how difficult the holidays are going to be.

I’m choosing to put those maybe’s aside and all the negative thoughts and just enjoy this journey.

As for some little funny stories, here are a few:

  • I texted my friend Ronnie on day 1  (yes day 1) of this plan to say that I was sorry for ever thinking drinking egg whites out of the carton was gross and abnormal.  🙂  I haven’t gotten that desperate yet but I can completely relate to why I might have to do this.
  • I’m really appreciating the fact that I asked for a Costco membership for Christmas. 
  • I told my former co-workers at the gym I used to work at that “I’ve lost 10lbs since leaving this place!!”  Probably not the best incentive for working there, ha!
  • I’m officially a gym rat  as I now belong to 2 gyms and work at 2 other studios.
  • I’m scheduled to go on the Polar Express tonight (those who don’t have kids or are unaware of this, just google it) and I actually am already figuring out a way to pack my food on the train.  Perhaps asking for Tupperware for Christmas would have been a better gift to myself?
  • Drinking 2 gallons of water a day has been…interesting. Ha!  I feel like I’m training for my half/full marathons again!

This is all for now…More stories to come this weekend!

Happy HumpDay!!!

-Michelle

The Holiday Pledge – in color!

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So today being December 1st, it’s officially the “Holiday” season.  With that, I give you my Holiday Pledge (originally posted a few weeks ago) but this time my friend Justin made it all pretty for me. 🙂

Image

Ain’t it great?! 

If you have a pledge, feel free to share it in the comments section or just use mine! 

-Michelle

Week 5 Workout

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Back from the gym from my first attempt at Fighter Diet’s Week 5 workout.  I’ve decided to share this workout because, hey, freedom of speech and everything.  And if I get sued by Pauline for sharing, well, let’s face it only about a dozen 3 people read this so I’m not too concerned about it.

Deadlift Pyramid

Set 1:  20 reps: 15lb DB’s (30lbs total, duh)

Set 2:  20 reps: 40lb Barbell

Set 3: 15 reps: 50lb Barbell

Set 4: 15 reps: 60lb Barbell

Set 5: 15 reps: 60lb Barbell

Set 6: 15 reps: 50lb Barbell

Set 7: 20 reps: 40lb Barbell

Set 8: 20 reps: 15lb DB’s (30lbs total)

No rest in between any sets except between sets 4 and 5 because I thought I might not be able to continue if I didn’t.

4 x 20 Squats resting for 15 seconds between sets: 25lb Kettlebell

4 x max rep Push ups resting for 10 seconds in between sets: 25 reps, 20, 15, 10 (dropped to knees for last few reps of last two sets)

3 x 15 bent over DB Row – 22.5lb DB’s (45lbs)

3 x 20 Standing Barbell Presses – Opted for the 30lb Barbell; didn’t quite pan out.  Should have went to the 20.  Did 20 reps, then 15, then 10.

Superset 3 x 15 bent over Dumbbell Raises with 3×20 hanging leg raises:  Did 7.5lb DB’s no problems.  But opted for the Romanian Chair hanging leg raises. Still not gutsy enough to try just hanging from a bar yet.  I’m such a wimp warrior.

Superset 3×20 crunches with 5×20 Squats resting only 10 seconds between sets.  Yikes.  Finished it though! Used 17.5lb DB’s (34lbs).

Did some abs afterwards for about 10 minutes before calling it a night.  Thoroughly wiped.

YEEEAHHH!!!

Weight as of this morning: 133.2lbs.  I’m trying not to obsess over my weight too much because as a female we all know how it can fluctuate depending on a certain time of the month, or if we’re retaining water or storing too many carbs.  In fact, I just came across a blog that explains this exact phenomenon pain the ass. http://www.liftingrevolution.com/the-weightroversy-why-your-weight-fluctuates-so-much/

But it does feel good to see that number go down after all this hard work.  I’m also back on the veggie track after today.  I kind of got derailed from my veggie intake after doing so well for almost a year!  Honestly, budget had a lot to do with it.  But payday is on Friday and most of my $$ lately has been going into food; a well worthwhile investment.  🙂

Time for sleep!!

-Michelle

Victory Formation

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This was a pretty great weekend for Ohio sports so I’m feeling victorious today.  I can’t help but be inspired by my alma mater Kent State football team getting *this close* to a bowl game, The Ohio State University beating Michigan and going undefeated, and the Browns beating the Steelers.

One non sports related reason is because I hopped on the scale this morning and I’m already down 1lb!  So note to Craig, my weight loss challenge instigator, get your check book ready! 🙂  That $20 (big money big money no whammies!) is as good as mine.

I also heard from an FB friend from high school that is inspired by my little challenge to take on the challenge herself!  She’s in it with me too, we are determined to lose these 5 little pounds.   Anyone else up for the challenge?  Let me know!

As for my workouts, this week starts Week 5 of the Fighter Diet – on tap for the workouts are Pyramid Deadlifts.  Basically means increase the weight with each set until you’re at your heaviest and then work your way back down to the weight you started with.  I’m also seeing some squats, max rep push-ups and hanging leg raises which I still suck at.

Week 6 is Pull-ups.  YIKES.  YAY!

Although I can chalk up this week to a victory in terms of food selection, workouts and weight loss, it’s important not to get caught up in the moment and stay focused.

Here’s to another “winning” week!

-Michelle

Random iTunes song: Titanium by David Guetta Featuring Sia – LOVE HER!  How does this song not make anyone feel empowered?

Random Tweet:  “I love the product placement of the SUV’s in #TheWalkingDead. Got Zombies? Get a Hyundai!”

 

 

5lb Challenge…it’s on!

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Thanksgiving was the official start of a bet my friend Craig had challenged me to: Lose 5lbs between Thanksgiving and January 3rd.
The premise being that hardly anyone can actually LOSE weight over the holidays.
I wanted to prove him wrong hence the bet. We bet a whole $20! 🙂
So I weighed in at 134lbs Thursday morning after breakfast. (Picture below)

I must say having a bet like this, albeit for very little money, is actually proving to be more motivating for me than the Figure competition goal! Probably because its short-term, I get a reward in the end, and in my eyes, this won’t be too hard for me to accomplish.
I already did great on Thanksgiving by avoiding the pumpkin pie but didn’t completely neglect my sweet tooth having 2 (yes 2) homemade chocolate chip cookies. No depriving, just careful choosing.
Next week starts the final two weeks of the Fighter Diet workouts I’ve been doing. It should prove to be the most challenging of all the workouts (I think she has me doing pull-ups, yikes!)
I’m actually looking forward to THAT challenge as well.
All in all I’m hoping for one of my most productive weeks to date!
And I promise to post progress pics…soon. 🙂

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